RIMPAC exercise 2026

¨     Indian Navy has deployed a P-8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) aircraft to Hawaii for RIMPAC 2026.

¨     RIMPAC 2026 is the 30th edition of the biennial multinational naval exercise.

¨     The exercise is being held from 24 June 2026 to 31 July 2026 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

¨     RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific) is organized by the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

¨     It is one of the world’s largest multinational naval exercises.

¨     The 2026 edition includes 30–31 participating countries.

¨     It involves approximately 30–40 surface ships, 5 submarines, 140–206+ aircraft, and 25,000–30,000 military personnel.

P-8I Aircraft

¨     The P-8I is a long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft operated by the Indian Navy.

¨     It is manufactured by Boeing specifically for the Indian Navy.

¨     The aircraft is used for maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and coordinated operations with allied navies.

¨     It belongs to the P-8 Poseidon family of maritime patrol aircraft.

India’s Participation in RIMPAC

¨     India first participated in RIMPAC in 2014.

¨     Since then, it has taken part in every edition of the exercise.

¨     India's participation aims to enhance maritime security, interoperability, joint naval operations, and cooperation with partner navies in the Indo-Pacific region.